While some people may question the use of a cutting torch at the scene, Cannady said its use is common during cleanup, but with precautions.

“Everytime you start to do a cutting torch like this, you should test the air for its flammable limit. No. 1: the flash point. What's the temperature also to see if it's in the flammable range,” Cannady said.

Cannady said a device like that should be used from start to finish when hazardous chemicals are involved.

“It's part of every hazard protocol to measure lower explosive levels before you bring in an ignition force or before you eliminate them,” Cannady said.

Cannady also explained that a change in wind direction can turn a situation from safe to dangerous. The lay of the land can also impact readings from one point to another.

MetroSafe executive director Doug Hamilton said he's concerned about just how much butadiene remained in the tank before Wednesday's explosion.

“We have a team in to give up information, to obviously reevaluate what had to (have) been incorrect information (as to) what product may remain,” Hamilton said.

“1, 2, 3, 4 gallons of highly flammable material is still going to expand and produce a lot of vapor. The bulk quantity is not as important as the concentration in air,” Cannady said.

According to Gerald Gupton with Paducah & Louisville Railway, a number of monitors were being used and they had no indication of a threat.

As for the information about how much butadiene was in the tanker car, Gupton said it was the best information they had at the time.

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